Current administration is working to dismantle the most fundamental pillar of democracy: principle of "going to the people": Ihusan
Ihusan stated that the government's efforts to synchronize presidential and parliamentary elections are a deliberate attempt to undermine democratic principles and silence the public voice. He argued that this change would restrict opportunities for leaders to engage with citizens and address their concerns, instead granting the ruling administration unchecked authority to govern as they please; consequently, he urged the public to vote "no" in the upcoming referendum.
Mohamed Ihsan, a member of the MDP National Congress, speaks during a pickup rally organized by the party. | RaajjeMV | RaajjeMV
Mohamed Ihusan, a member of the MDP National Congress, has stated that one of the most fundamental characteristics of democracy is engaging directly with the people, and that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration is working to eliminate this principle.
Speaking at the MDP's pickup rally on Tuesday evening, Ihusan stated that one of the most fundamental features of the democracy introduced in the Maldives is engaging directly with the people and understanding the challenges they face. He further noted that these concerns should be documented and used as the foundation for drafting the party's manifesto.
Ihusan stated that the fundamental essence of governance is to assume office with a manifesto, formulate policies accordingly, and strive to provide solutions to the issues at hand. He further noted that the MDP has always operated based on these principles.
However, Ihusan stated that President Muizzu’s administration is working to dismantle these fundamental democratic features through a referendum aimed at synchronizing presidential and parliamentary elections.
That is a fundamental characteristic of governance. However, we, the Maldivian people, must stand united against the current administration's efforts to dismantle this core principle. We are well aware that every time they seek power or contest for seats in the People’s Majlis, they approach the citizens. They ask the people about their hardships, the obstacles they face, the goals they struggle to achieve, and the problems they encounter. It is by compiling this information into a manifesto that they secure the presidency and win control of the Parliament. Subsequently, they work toward resolving these issues through legislation and government policies. Therefore, if this process is restricted and transformed into a system that operates solely according to the whims of the person in power, the problems facing the Maldivian people will never again find a resolution in this country.Mohamed Ihusan, a member of the MDP National Congress.
Referring to the People's Majlis, Ihusan stated that while the parliament should be a platform for addressing the difficulties and concerns of the citizens, that opportunity has been lost today. He further noted that the scenes witnessed within the parliament clearly demonstrate that this administration is not one that will listen to the voice of the people.
He emphasized that the public must overwhelmingly reject the upcoming referendum to combine the local council, presidential, and parliamentary elections. He stated that the outcome of the vote should serve as a clear demonstration of the people's deep dissatisfaction with the government. Furthermore, he warned that if the government were to succeed in this election, the issues facing the public would remain unresolved indefinitely.
